Less than 1% of Texas’ food stamp total spent outside state

As you can see, nearly all of the $5.6 billion in food stamp purchases, was spent in Texas.

But about $25 million – less than 1 percent of that annual food stamp total – was spent in other states, including $38,233.84 spent in Hawaii.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission, which issues the monthly food stamp benefits electronically on what are known as Lone Star cards, said there is no law against individuals who receive food stamps, from traveling outside of Texas.

People using Lone Star cards outside of Texas are allowed to do so for a short period if they move to another state. But they are told to reapply for benefits at their new address.

“It is permissible to use your benefits in another state for the short term,” said Stephanie Goodman, HHSC spokeswoman.

The agency believes Lone Star card users who make purchases in other states could be doing so because they are moving back with out-of-state relatives, or visiting.

“We’re going to see out of state spending each month,” Goodman said.

Texas officials insist state law prevents the agency from releasing what item were bought by each individual.

But a recent report shows that out-of-state spending by Texas food stamp users is far less than that of out-of-state residents who spend theirs in Texas.

Each month, about $7 million-$8 million in food stamp purchases are made in Texas by out-of-state residents.